The Pakistan Cricket Board on Tuesday suspended fast bowler Mohammad Asif from all competition until an inquiry is completed by India, where he tested positive for a banned substance.

"We have suspended Asif from all cricket -- neither can he be involved in any cricket-related activity nor can he hold any office relating to cricket," PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi told a news conference.

"Asif will remain suspended from participating in cricket including its organisation, administration and promotion conducted by or under the auspices of PCB, ICC (International Cricket Council) or ICC members until final a decision, which includes appeal, comes."

The Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday named Asif as the player who tested positive during the Twenty20 competition held from April to June.

"The inquiry will be conducted by the IPL doping tribunal and whatever decision they take against Asif, we would back it," said Naghmi.

He said the PCB had zero tolerance on doping and will deal with the latest controversy in Pakistan cricket as per rules.

"PCB is WADA (World Anti-doping Agency) compliant and has a comprehensive Anti-Doping Policy which extends to all cricketers under the jurisdiction of the PCB."

Naghmi said the matter will now be dealt with by IPL and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)

"As the sampling was done by IPL/BCCI, therefore under the ICC Anti-Doping Code, the matter has been referred to the IPL Drug Tribunal."

Naghmi said the PCB will back any decision by Indian authorities.

"PCB shall offer every reasonable assistance to ICC and other ICC members as they may require for the implementation and enforcement of their Anti-Doping regulations and remain closely associated with the proceedings," he added.

Asif's lawyer Shahid Karim said he would do his best to clear the player.

"We all know Asif is a talented player and has done nothing wrong, so we will ask for the B sample test as and when possible," he told AFP.

After his name was revealed to be the person who had failed the test, Asif Monday said: "I am shocked and surprised because I have done nothing wrong.

"I will consult my lawyer before taking any further decision."

Asif also tested positive for banned drugs with pace partner Shoaib Akhtar in October 2006.

The 25-year-old was then banned for one year and Akhtar for two years. The bans were however lifted on appeals.

Former Pakistan greats blamed Asif and the PCB for the latest doping breach.

"Asif proved a non-serious player and he was so careless that he kept an illegal drug in his pocket and was seized at Dubai airport," said former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas.

Asif was detained for 19 days over possession of opium last month as he made his way back to Pakistan from the IPL via Dubai. He was later deported after the quantity of the drug was found to be "insignificant."